New releases dominate most popular IT stories of 2009

SYDNEY, NSW: The biggest computer and IT stories of the year are a fine mix of new hardware, new software, new microarchitecture and new directions. Although some of the biggest brands made the most popular list, two relatively new players attracted a lot of interest during the year.

The biggest IT story by a considerable amount concerned the evolving story of SuperSpeed USB 3.0. In September, it was reported that wide adoption of the new file transfer technology will have been completed by 2010. The flash device form factor of the unit is expected to hit 200 million units one year later. According to the analyst quoted in this story, attach rates of USB 3.0 will be 70 per cent faster than the current 2.0 standard.

An emerging global player in computer hardware, ViewSonic gazumped its rivals in 2009, with more interest in its latest hardware releases than any other brand. Formerly a vision specialist, ViewSonic’s computer hardware range took off in 2009, with the November launch of new notebooks and media centres proving popular with readers.

Arguably the biggest software release of the year was Windows 7, which held an antipodean launch in October. Interestingly, the stories stemming from this release were not as popular with readers as a follow-up piece one month later concerning the Windows 7 Family Pack. This software bundle was released to cater to multiple users within the home, allowing families to receive multiple licences at a discounted rate.

Next on the list was a global scoop for Current.com.au. After relaunching its computer hardware range at the start of the year, Samsung announced a number of new initiatives in early December. These included the introduction of a tablet form factor to its range and transition to an all-LED monitor range. Also on the Samsung agenda are multitouch monitors and notebooks, and more 3D.

Intel had a very exciting year in 2009, with the computer chip manufacturer releasing its Core i7 mobile processors. Described as the fastest computer chips ever, the new processors feature Turbo Boost Technology, which is marketed as being able to accelerate the processer clock speed by up to 75 per cent to match workloads.